Blinkhorns, a long-running independent audiovisual shop in Banbury, Oxfordshire, has announced it will close its doors after 143 years of trading. The business was founded in 1883 and has been owned and operated by four generations of the same family.
According to historical records from British History Online, the family was responsible for introducing the first films to the town in 1896. The business later expanded its reach by running a cinema in the local Corn Exchange before becoming a specialist in modern home entertainment and television technology.
Current owner Tom Blinkhorn, whose name is listed as Julian Thomas Jeffer Blinkhorn at Companies House, shared the news with the community on February 11, 2026. He described the decision to close the shop as one made with a heavy heart after more than a century of service to local residents.
While the physical retail shop is closing, the family will continue to offer expert technical support for the community. Tom Blinkhorn intends to provide specialist services for WiFi, CCTV, and audiovisual installations on a service-only basis moving forward.
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